How to Get Rid of Weeds in Lawn: 10 Weed Removal Tools

There is nothing as annoying as weeds growing on a beautiful lawn. There are various ways to get rid of weeds, but the best way is to prevent them from ever sprouting. However, if it is too late for prevention, there are other ways to get rid of those pesky plants.

Getting rid of weeds from your lawn is not difficult, but you must have a good understanding of the different weed removal tools and techniques. You should be careful of which weed removal techniques you apply, so that you do not end up destroying your entire lawn.

Hopefully, a combination of the below weed removal tools will work for you. Here are some ways on how to get rid of weeds in your lawn:

1. Hand Digging

Most gardeners hate this method of weeding, but your hands are the most effective weed removal tools. It involves the use of a shovel, hoe and other relevant tools to dig out the weeds and reduce their population.

It’s advisable to dig the weeds while they are still young before they get a chance to seed or reproduce. Also, make sure you dig out the root to completely kill the plant.

2. Scalding

This is one of the easiest ways to get rid of weeds. How many times do you pour the excess water after boiling your pasta down the drain? Instead of that water going to waste, you could use it to get rid of the weeds in your lawn.

All you need is to pour the boiling water directly on to the weeds immediately. Within a day or two, the weeds will start to shrivel and eventually die.

3. Herbicides

If you do not have the time to make your own homemade herbicide, there are many effective herbicides in the market. It is, however, important to consult with an expert before you make a purchase, so you are sure of the chemicals you are applying onto your lawn.

You should take caution when using herbicide. The chemicals that kill the weeds may also destroy your yard. They could also be a health risk to pets and people.

4. Mulching

Mulching is the application of organic or inorganic materials on the surface of the soil. Common materials used for mulch may include bark chips, straw, cardboard, newspaper, or plastic.

This method of weed control can be used to conserve moisture, improve soil fertility, and reduce weed growth. Application of mulch smothers the weed and prevents new seeds from germinating. Organic mulch is particularly more effective since it hosts crickets and carabid beetles, which devour weed seeds.

5. Solarization

Solarization is a process that literally cooks the weed plants by using heat from the sun. The process involves covering the weed-infested area with a large plastic sheet, which traps the heat beneath the sheet. When the sheet is left for about 4 to 6 weeks, the weeds below start to brown. This is a clear indication of their imminent death.

6. Using Citrus Juice

Using citrus juice in weed control strips off the waxy protective coating of the weed’s leaves. This exposes the weed to extreme heat, so it eventually dries up and dies. You will, however, need to be consistent with this method as the roots may survive a single application. Adding a little vinegar to your citrus juice makes it an even more potent weed killer.

7. Using Oil

If you are looking for an eco-friendly way to get rid of weeds in your lawn, this is one of them. Covering the leaves with oil ensures the plant does not effectively carry out the process of photosynthesis. The weeds are bound to die soon after application. It is one of the most effective ways to get rid of weeds without damaging the soil they are in.

8. Using Alcohol

Ever wonder why when nursing a hangover, you constantly drink a lot of water? It is because alcohol dehydrates the body. The same will apply when it comes to using alcohol to get rid of weeds. Alcohol will remove water from the weed, causing it to dry up and die. Mix some vodka and water, and then spot spray the weed plants.

9. Using Baking Soda

The first step to getting rid of weeds using baking soda is to moisten them if they are not already wet. Next, scoop some baking soda and sprinkle it all over the plant. Repeat the process until you are done with all the weeds on the lawn. Baking soda increases salinity, making it difficult for the weeds to survive.

10. Weed Crowding

Another effective way of killing weeds is by ensuring your lawn is dense. There should be no room for the pesky plants to thrive. When grass is close together, the small spaces between them is shaded and no sunlight can seep through. Weeds such as pigweed or purslane do not stand a chance in these circumstances.